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This article is an electronic version of an article originally
published in Cultic Studies Journal, 1984, Volume 1, Number 2, pages 143-155.
Please keep in mind that the pagination of this electronic reprint differs from
that of the bound volume. This fact could affect how you enter bibliographic
information in papers that you may write.
Cults and Children: The Abuse of the Young
Arnold Markowitz, C.S.W.
David A. Halperin, M.D.
Abstract
Cult affiliation affects three groups of individuals: the cult member, his
immediate family (parents and siblings), and the children reared during the
period of cult affiliation. While the role that the mental health professional
adopts regarding the cult member and his family requires a complex balancing of
therapeutic concern and individual rights, his role vis-à-vis the minor within
the cult context is much more clearly defined. This paper presents issues of
neglect (benign and malign) and other problems inherent in working with parents
who, under the guise of religiosity, actively abuse their children. While the
hecatomb of Jonestown is unlikely to be repeated, the therapist has a
responsibility to assist children in making full use of the opportunities for
growth and life that are available to them.
Full text available through
ICSA E-Library.
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